We discuss a model of Dirac fermions coupled to an Ising gauge theory, for which recent Monte Carlo simulations have observed a direct and continuous transition into a confined, symmetry broken phase. This result was surprising since, without fine tuning of parameters, a first order or split transition is expected, with symmetry breaking preceding confinement. We develop a field theory description of the direct transition involving a nonabelian (SU(2)) gauge group and identify its consequences. In particular, an emergent SO(5) symmetry is predicted at the transition. We verify this prediction in quantum Monte Carlo simulations and contrast our findings with the standard Gross-Neveau transition.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2018.MAR.K34.5